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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Essex Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,934 students in Essex, MD.
The top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD are Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, MD public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Maryland public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 39% statewide average). Pre schools in Essex have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public preschool average of 71% (majority Black).

Best Public Preschools in Essex, MD (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Middleborough Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
313 West Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0160
Gr: PK-5 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Orems Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
711 Highvilla Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0172
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Sandalwood Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
900 S Marlyn Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0174
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Mars Estates Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 E Homberg Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0154
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #55.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Mace Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0117
Gr: PK-5 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Middlesex Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
142 Bennett Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0170
Gr: PK-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #77.
Sussex Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
515 S Woodward Dr
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 887-0182
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Essex, MD include Middleborough Elementary School, Orems Elementary School and Sandalwood Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Essex?
7 public preschools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex public preschools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maryland public preschools average of 71% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Essex are often viewed compared to one another?

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